St. Helena Island, South Carolina, October 15, 2025

News Summary

A mass shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, claiming the lives of four people and injuring over 20 during a high school alumni event. Witnesses reported chaos as attendees fled the scene to escape the gunfire. Local authorities are conducting an investigation while the community comes together to mourn the victims.

St. Helena Island, South Carolina

A mass shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulted in the deaths of four individuals and caused injuries to at least 20 others early on October 12, 2025. The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. during a crowded high school alumni event, which attracted hundreds of attendees.

According to the Beaufort County Coroner, the victims who lost their lives were identified as Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort, Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort, A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, from Burton, and Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena. In addition to the fatalities, several individuals were reported in critical condition, and the total number of injured stands at 20.

Witnesses displaced by the violence reported chaos as attendees rushed to find safety, with many fleeing into neighboring businesses to escape the gunfire. The owner of Willie’s Bar and Grill, Willie Turral, confirmed that multiple security guards were present at the time; however, the situation escalated quickly, resulting in widespread panic and confusion.

Survivors described hearing rapid and intense gunfire, raising concerns regarding the possibility of automatic weapons being used. As law enforcement continues to investigate the shooting, no arrests had been made as of October 13, 2025. Authorities are actively looking into multiple persons of interest in connection with the shooting.

The local community is mourning the loss of life and injuries sustained during the horrifying event. Friends, family members, and community members expressed their grief during a memorial held at the bar soon after the shooting, where flowers were left to pay respects to the victims. Among those honored, Amos Gary, who was working as a security guard that night, was remembered for his selfless actions in attempting to protect others during the chaos.

Following the incident, the scene was heavily populated with law enforcement and emergency responders, indicating the urgency and severity of the situation as they worked to provide aid to the injured and secure the area.

Incident Overview

• Date: October 12, 2025
• Location: Willie’s Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
• Time: Just before 1 a.m.
• Victims Deceased: 4
• Injuries Reported: At least 20, some in critical condition
• Event Type: High school alumni event

Victims Details

• Kashawn Glaze, 22, Beaufort, SC
• Chiraad Smalls, 33, Beaufort, SC
• A’shan’tek Milledge, 22, Burton, SC
• Amos Gary, 54, St. Helena, SC

Community Response

The community has openly expressed their outrage and sadness over the tragic outbreak of violence. Many locals are grief-stricken, with some gathering at memorials and placing flowers in memory of those who died and were injured during the event.

Investigation Status

Law enforcement agencies continue to treat the case as ongoing, with no arrests made as of the latest reports. Authorities are appealing to the public for information regarding the incident and any potential suspects involved.

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HERE Resources

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Mass Shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill Leaves Four Dead
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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: St. Helena Island Shooting Victims
• USA Today: South Carolina Shooting
• Island Packet: Mass Shooting Incident
• WTOC: Victims Identified in St. Helena Shooting
• Wikipedia: St. Helena Island

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.